吃不起的玉米蛋挞，到底谁在买？

Core Viewpoint - The rising popularity and high prices of corn egg tarts have sparked consumer dissatisfaction and highlighted broader industry issues related to pricing and consumer perception [4][5][13]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies and Consumer Reactions - The price of corn egg tarts has reached as high as 48 yuan each, while the cost of corn at the production level is around 1 yuan per pound, leading to public outrage over perceived price gouging [4][5]. - The phenomenon of "bread assassins" has been noted in the baking industry, with high prices for various baked goods causing consumer frustration [5]. - Social media platforms have seen significant engagement with the corn egg tart topic, with 700 million views on Douyin and 67.15 million on Xiaohongshu, indicating a strong consumer interest and reaction [7][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Trends - The corn egg tart has replaced previous baking trends, such as butter rice cakes, showcasing the cyclical nature of popular baked goods [7]. - Different pricing strategies exist among various vendors, with some offering corn egg tarts for as low as 8 yuan at chain bakeries, contrasting sharply with the high prices at trendy shops [9]. - The corn egg tart's rise can be attributed to consumer curiosity and the marketing strategies of businesses, which have capitalized on social media trends [11]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Perception - Many consumers exhibit a "follow the crowd" mentality, purchasing corn egg tarts due to social influence rather than personal preference, often leading to disappointment with the product quality [8][9]. - The perception of high prices has led to discussions about the value of ingredients and the actual cost of production, with estimates suggesting that the raw material cost for a corn egg tart is around 5-6 yuan [9][13]. - The debate surrounding the corn egg tart reflects broader concerns about the pricing strategies in the baking industry, where consumer sensitivity to price plays a significant role in purchasing decisions [16]. Group 4: Longevity of Baking Trends - The article discusses the transient nature of trendy baked goods, suggesting that while some may achieve lasting popularity, many will fade as consumer interest shifts [15][16]. - Successful long-term products often balance quality and affordability, moving away from the high prices associated with initial trends [17][18]. - The baking industry ultimately relies on efficient supply chain management and production processes to maintain competitive pricing and product availability [18].